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The piracatinga, Calophysus macropterus, production chain in the Middle Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil
Author(s) -
Franco D.,
Sobrane Filho S.,
Martins A.,
Marmontel M.,
BoteroArias R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
fisheries management and ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1365-2400
pISSN - 0969-997X
DOI - 10.1111/fme.12160
Subject(s) - artisanal fishing , fishery , fishing , amazon rainforest , geography , production (economics) , ecology , biology , economics , macroeconomics
Piracatinga, Calophysus macropterus Lichtenstein, was not exploited in Brazil until the early 2000s, when fish pressure increased markedly due to growing demands. The methods for capturing piracatinga involve the use of caiman and dolphin carcasses as bait; and the growing organization of the hunting and marketing of these animals raises concern. This study describes the production chain of piracatinga fishing in the region of the middle Solimões River, in Brazilian Amazonia. It was conducted in 19 local communities of the Mamirauá Reserve; data were collected from 50 individuals involved in the activity, divided into eight categories within the production chain. The production of piracatinga reaches its peak in the first months of the closed season for other fishes. The average profit margins of the activity between 2011 and 2013 were higher than those of other artisanal fishing activities, but they varied from 38% of losses by event to profits of 90%. The use of corrals and baits from aquatic vertebrates in piracatinga fishing are exclusive to this activity. It is important to develop participatory and sustainable options, such as the use of commercial fishes as bait or the engagement of the people involved in legal activities.